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John Deutch

John Deutch
  • Institute Professor
    MIT Department of Chemistry

John Deutch has been a member of the MIT faculty since 1970, and has served as Chairman of the Department of Chemistry, Dean of Science and Provost. He has also held significant government posts throughout his career. In May 1995, he was sworn in as Director of Central Intelligence following a unanimous vote in the Senate, serving until December 1996. In addition, he has served on many commissions during several presidential administrations. Professor Deutch earned a B.A. in history and economics from Amherst College, and both the B.S. in chemical engineering and Ph.D. in physical chemistry from MIT.

RESEARCH

Professor Deutch's research applies statistical mechanics to equilibrium and time dependent problems in physical chemistry. Emphasis is placed on developing techniques that permit the quantitative understanding of a wide variety of phenomena in three distinct areas. One area is the theory of dilute and concentrated polymer solutions with attention placed on understanding the frictional properties of these solutions. A second area of interest involves two-dimensional chemistry. The third area concerns the theory of diffusion controlled reactions.

RECENT PUBLICATIONS

Dr. Deutch has published over 140 technical publications in physical chemistry, as well as numerous publications on technology, energy, international security, and public policy issues. Professor Deutch has co-authored a book entitled Making Technology Work: Applications in Energy and Environment with Richard K. Lester. He has written numerous policy publications including:

  • "Research Worth Fighting For", New York Times, Op Ed, A29 (April 13, 2006).
  • "Exiting Iraq", the 2005 Harvard Phi Beta Kappa Oration. Harvard Magazine, 32 (September – October 2005).
  • "Time to Pull Out. And Not Just from Iraq." New York Times, Op Ed, A19 (July 15, 2005).
  • "What Should the Government Do to Encourage Technical Change in the Energy Sector?" MIT Joint Program on Science and Policy of Global Change, Report #120 (May 2005).
  • "A Nuclear Posture for Today", Foreign Affairs, 84, 49 (January/February 2005).
  • "Making the World Safe for Nuclear Energy", (with Arnold Kanter, Ernest Moniz, and Daniel Poneman), Survival, 46, 65 (Winter 2004-2005).

Massachusetts Institute of Technology
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